One house destroyed in Arniston and Monkey Town Zoo burned down in a wildfire.

While firefighters were battling the Arniston and Overberg fires this week, community members and businesses have rallied together in support. In Somerset West, parts of Monkey Town Zoo was destroyed in a fire.

Arniston

A team of firefighters were deployed to the mountaineous area outside Riviersonderend, while the second group of firefighters focused their efforts on Arniston.

One house was destroyed in the blaze. Speaking to EWN, Overberg District Fire Chief Reinhardt Geldenhuys said the fire in Arniston was contained “without any further damages to structures.” He added:

“We have deployed further ground teams on those lines this morning backed up by aerial resources. The conditions are slightly more favourable.”

He also confirmed that another flare-up was contained. Firefighters will remain on the scene today to monitor the situation.

Shoprite Group thanked the “hardworking firefighters” and added that the Checkers store in “Bredasdorp is reaching out to support their efforts with some much-needed provisions.”

Monkey Town, Somerset West

Monkey Town shared a video clip of the blaze on social media. The animal enclosures have burned down, but they confirmed that all animals were safely removed.

“Our animals’ enclosures are still burning. All our animals are still safe at this moment. We will assess the damage when daylight comes. The restaurant on site burnt to the ground. Monkey Town is closed until further notice.”

The power was restored early this morning, but their phone lines have burned down. The damage will be assessed today.

Members of the community have reached out to Monkey Town and offered assistance. Savana-Jade Henry said on Facebook that the community is ready to do what is needed, be it fundraising, rebuilding and cleaning up.

Alice Ryan offered to supply additional fire extinguishers as loan units, and also offered their company’s Fire Appliances services for free and will provide water for the animals, while Julia Evans confirmed that AWS Helderberg would also assist in any way they can.

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